There was a time
(Seems like yesterday.)
We spoke with honor
The words we would say.
We were there for others:
Come what may;
Right or not…
‘Twas the American way.

There was a time
(Was it yesterday?)
When we were  inclusive, 
Not cast to the fray. 
We would ask you for dinner; 
Invite you to play. 
Because we were equal, 
‘Twas the American way.

There was a time
(It’s on the tip of my tongue)
Where we’d look to our flag,
And allegiance was sung; 
When our Republic believed 
We’re a nation of one; 
And we’d live without worry 
Under the sun.

There was a time
(It’s important to note.)
We were given the privilege 
To debate and to vote. 
Prioritize promise
Of what seemed to be fair; 
We might disagree, 
But always, we’d care.

There was a time:
(In Hamilton’s mind)
Disgrace over danger, 
Would not align
For what we called freedom: 
Was an American’s choice
Room for difference, together… 
That was our voice. 

There was a time 
(Life’s no piece of cake) 
When we’d choose to give 
Before we would take 
Where we’d make a feast
From life’s curd and its whey
Invite you in from the cold 
Without delay. 

Yes, it feels like a time
(In a dishonest way) 
Where we’re spayed and we’re neutered; 
And it’s all gone away: 
But don’t be discouraged 
And don’t dare disarm 
Your morals, your standards, 
Your humor, your charm. 

Because none of it’s over 
‘Til the fat lady sings– 
We’re just fighting a battle  
Where Liberty rings–
And with truth and our honor
We’ll forge a new day
And decency returns to..
The American Way.

Top Bigstock photo by Andrey Zyk